You’re Going to Love-Love These Tennis Bracelets

Is there any arm candy more riveting, more dazzling, than the full-on sparkle and shine of a tennis bracelet—or an armload of the best tennis bracelets—glinting in the sun?  Full disclosure—I have never been anywhere near a racket, though I have been known to affect an all-white V-neck sweater-and-long-pleated-skirt tennis look—but that doesn’t mean I don’t know the best tennis bracelets when I see them. Whether it’s the classic line of diamonds (big ones, please!) or glorious fake gems (who is going to know the difference as your tennis bracelet dangles over a highball?) or in a riot of color—your tennis bracelet’s way of celebrating Pride all year long—these are jewels to be cherished regardless of your athletic prowess.

You might be wondering how the tennis bracelet—which refers to a flexible bracelet with the stones lined up, hugging each other—got its name. As the story goes, back in 1978, world champion Chris Evert was wearing just such a tennis bracelet, in diamonds and gold, at the US Open, when the bracelet itself opened! Just as I—or you—would have done, Evert stopped the match cold until her tennis bracelet turned up.

Evert is not the only player to flaunt a tennis bracelet. Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have been known to sport high-end models. Fun fact: Williams once wore a $29,000 Harry Winston tennis bracelet to a game. (No reports of it being lost between serves.)

Though it may not be practical to pile them on while on the court, tennis bracelets make wonderful stackers. In all widths and weights, featuring gemstones real and not-so, vintage or brand new, don’t be afraid to line them up from wrist to elbow.

Here is our guide to the brightest and best tennis bracelets, on and off the clay:

The Classic Tennis Bracelet

The line of beauty—pure elegance, the heart and soul of the classic tennis bracelet.

The Colorful Tennis Bracelet

Sparkle and shine do not belong to diamonds alone—these tennis bracelets flaunt their many-splendored hues.

The Extra-Luxe Tennis Bracelet

Stacking tennis bracelets is undeniably chic, but sometimes a single statement says it all.

The Extra-Fun Tennis Bracelet

Who says a tennis bracelet has to be serious? These exhibit an irresistible joie de vivre.

The Vintage Tennis Bracelet

Not all tennis bracelets are brand new—these vintage beauties have been lighting up wrists for decades.